Green Synthesis of Copper Oxide and Iron Oxide Nanoparticles using Conocarpus lancifolius Leaf and their Activity against some Phytopathogenic Fungi

Abstract

Iron oxide (FeONP) and copper oxide (CuONP) nanoparticles were synthesized using the leaf extract of Conocarpus lancifolius. Their activity against two phytopathogenic fungi, Alternaria solani and Fusarium solani, was investigated. The colonies’ diameter and morphological changes in the fungal hyphae and conidia treated with nanoparticles were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). CuONPs showed oval particles with a wide particle size distribution of ~57 nm in length and ~28 nm in width. FeONPs showed elliptical disks with a wider particle size distribution of 32 to 39 nm in length and 5 to 14 nm in width. Both types of nanoparticles exhibited significant antifungal activity against A. solani and F. solani. CuONPs inhibited A. solani growth by 88.9% to 91.1% in terms of the fungal colony diameter after 12 days of incubation. They completely inhibited the growth of F. solani. In contrast, FeONPs reduced the growth of A. solani from 68.9% to 73.3%. The SEM images suggest that CuONPs and FeONPs damaged and distorted the fungus structure, consequently limiting and inhibiting fungal growth. Therefore, the green synthesized nanoparticles could be used as antifungal candidates to protect plants against phytopathogenic fungi.